Azerbaijan, set to host Cop29, is expected to increase its fossil gas production by a third in the next decade. This expansion raises concerns about the country's commitment to addressing climate change. Critics argue that Azerbaijan's reliance on fossil fuels and its history of human rights violations make it an unsuitable host for climate negotiations.
Gas meter removal charges vary among suppliers, leaving some customers puzzled. Crown Gas & Power recently charged a Quaker meeting house £486 to remove its gas meter, while others do it for free. The Energy Networks Association notes that some firms offer free meter removals. The issue highlights the need for clarity on energy supplier regulations.
Mysterious craters in Siberia have been puzzling scientists and locals alike. Recent research has shed light on their origin, revealing that they are caused by the forceful release of methane gas from underground ponds as temperatures warm. These cryopegs, found beneath the soil layer, contain crystalized methane-water solids that can become unstable when the thaw reaches them, leading to explosive bubbles of methane gas. This phenomenon could have significant implications for climate change.
Concerns are rising about Western Australia's environmental policies, with some critics arguing that the state government is relaxing regulations and prioritizing fossil fuel projects over climate change mitigation. According to reports, the WA Labor government has indefinitely deferred its flagship climate legislation and announced changes to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) that fast-track project approvals and give the government more control.
The move has sparked concern among environmental groups and some lawmakers, who argue that it undermines decades of consensus on the state's role in mitigating the climate impacts of big-emitting projects. The WA government maintains that the changes are necessary to streamline processes and support economic growth.
A sulphur-crested cockatoo named Mickey has been rescued after spending four weeks "living on brioche" inside a Sydney supermarket. Wildlife services successfully captured the bird with the help of another cockatoo, Old Lady Doris, who was brought in to comfort Mickey. The rescued bird appears physically fine and wasn't hungry due to its unusual diet. Environmental authorities have announced that Mickey will be set free soon.
New Water Commission Aims to Strengthen Regulation and Boost Investment
The UK's new water commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, has been tasked with strengthening regulation, boosting investment, and informing further reform in the English and Welsh water sector. The commission will focus on creating an environmental enforcer that is feared, as well as exploring options for improving the regulatory setup. One potential solution is to create a whole-system regulator that sets long-term direction and provides a joined-up strategy.
The Water Commission's Challenges:
* Addressing the division of responsibilities between Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate
* Improving environmental enforcement and accountability
* Boosting investment in the sector while ensuring fair pricing for customers
A unique initiative in Brazil's Amazonian region aims to preserve Indigenous culture and traditions. The Wauja people have collaborated with a non-profit organization to create a 3D-printed replica of their sacred cave, Kamukuwaká, which was damaged in 2018. The replica is now housed in the Xingu Museum, allowing future generations to learn about and connect with their cultural heritage.
More than 1m farmed salmon die at supplier to leading UK retailers, with concerns over welfare and sustainability. Despite Mowi Scotland's claims that the deaths are due to an unprecedented rise in sea temperatures, campaigners argue that expanding farms will worsen the issue.
Ireland's first bottle deposit return scheme has seen a significant increase in returns, with over 630 million containers deposited at reverse vending machines since its launch in February. The scheme, implemented by Re-turn, aims to reduce litter and increase recycling rates. Despite initial consumer confusion, the public has adapted to the new system, with returns increasing from 2 million per month to over 110 million per month.
New draft guidelines for "forever chemicals" in Australia's drinking water have been released. While efforts to reduce PFAS levels are important, most water supplies already meet the new limits. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council proposes reducing maximum safe levels for four key PFAS chemicals. However, the majority of potable water supplies in Australia either have no detectable PFAS or have levels below the new limits.
Conservation efforts are underway on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, to save one of the UK's largest seabird colonies. The island is home to over 200,000 auks and 12,000 breeding pairs of kittiwakes, but their numbers have declined significantly due to the presence of rats and ferrets. A £4.5m project has been launched to eradicate these invasive species, with volunteers and conservationists working together to trap and remove them. The goal is to restore the island's ecosystem and protect its unique wildlife.
The Cop16 UN biodiversity summit is underway in Cali, Colombia, with 190 countries and 15,000 attendees aiming to protect the world's flora and fauna. The event is critical as ecosystems reach a tipping point where species extinction could accelerate. Colombian authorities are pushing for inclusivity, creating Indigenous-led environmental authorities and promoting public participation. Experts warn that only 10% of signatory nations have released nature action plans, funding is short, and ocean protection lags at just 2.8%. Representatives will discuss global budgets and mechanisms to ensure countries honor their commitments.
The upcoming UN Biodiversity COP16 meeting in Cali, Colombia, is a critical global gathering aimed at addressing the accelerating ecological crisis. The meeting will bring together thousands of attendees, including government representatives, environmental organizations, and financial institutions, to discuss ways to preserve biodiversity and ensure ecosystems continue to provide vital services. As the world faces unprecedented climate change, wildfires, and species extinction, this meeting holds great significance in shaping the future of life on Earth.
Source: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/70715/what-is-cbd-cop16-biodiversity-cali-colombia/
The humble starling, once reviled and celebrated in equal measure, has conquered the world with its impressive aerial displays. Native to Europe and western Asia, it was introduced to other parts of the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and North America. While admired for its mimicry skills and acrobatic flight, the starling is also criticized for its negative impact on native bird species.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/19/bird-table-starling-conquered-world-songbird
The UK faces a major environmental challenge with its landfills emitting toxic gases, posing health risks and polluting waterways. According to a recent report, 80% of the population lives within 2km of an operational or closed landfill site, exposing them to pollutants like methane and carcinogens. Improved recycling and waste management are crucial steps towards reducing the impact of these sites.
Global activists rally for nature ahead of UN Biodiversity COP16. Greenpeace protests in 12 countries, including Indonesia, Mexico, and Sweden, urge governments to protect nature and restore biodiversity. The campaign demands actionable national plans at the conference to address ecosystem destruction.
Conservationists are warning that the sale of Essex's Middlewick Ranges for 1,000 new homes would set a "catastrophic precedent" and irreparably harm the site's rich biodiversity. The Ministry of Defence is poised to sell the 76-hectare site, which is home to rare barbastelle bats, nearly 1,500 invertebrate species, and the second-best place for nightingales in the country. Ecological experts argue that the sale would be based on faulty environmental evidence and contradict the principles of biodiversity net gain.
New research has found microplastics in dolphin breath for the first time, suggesting that these marine animals are inhaling pollutants when they come up for air. The study, published in Plos One, analyzed exhaled air from bottlenose dolphins in two sites: Sarasota Bay, Florida, and Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Microplastics were detected in all 11 dolphin breath samples, indicating airborne contamination.
New research on southern resident killer whales reveals a surprising twist in their decline towards extinction. Despite having access to more chinook salmon than healthier relatives, the study finds that noise from marine traffic and ship presence may be hindering their ability to hunt and forage. The findings deepen the mystery surrounding the critical endangerment of these iconic creatures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/16/orca-killer-whale-extinction-study
As two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton, bring devastation to the US, experts hope that the "climate voter" will emerge as a significant factor in the upcoming election. Despite the enormous implications of climate change, it has been a dormant issue so far in the presidential campaign. The storms' impact on key swing states like Georgia and North Carolina could shift voters' priorities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/16/us-election-hurricanes-climate-voter